The story behind MAMA SOSO

MAMA SOSO was never planned

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I get to be a host at events and inspire the next generation of hosts to do the same. An introvert in an extroverted job - it’s an interesting job for sure!”

If you want the short answer, the name MAMA SOSO was given to me by my mentor and friend Mani aka “Da Bürgermasta” back in 2022.

If you want the long answer, my hosting career started back in 2018 when I was the host/MC for the Sofar Sounds Linz events in Upper Austria in my senior year of high school. I moved to Graz after I graduated and thus left the hosting behind…At least that’s what I though at that time.

Fast forward to a year later in 2019, when Mani asked me 2 hours before a local battle started to jump in as a host, since the actual host had gotten sick with a high fever. Mind you, I had only been to two dance battles in my life before and had no idea how to host an event that included

• a rap

• a beatbox, and

• a dancebattle

all in one. I was still unknown to most people in Graz back then, which gave me the confidence to say yes. I had “nothing to lose” after all. So I hosted my first ever battle and that, my dear kids, is how this story kicked off.

I was known as “Soso” then “Sosorreal” before I decided to split the persona of the illustrator from the one of a host. So Mani gave me the name “MAMA SOSO”

Why MAMA SOSO

If you know me, you’ll soon find out that people will often refer to me as the Mom-friend, the reliable one, the one who listens, and always seems to have food on hand. My personality while hosting has evolved a lot ever since, but my overall vibe is cheeky. I can bring high energy to a room, but my voice may also make you fall asleep (in a good way! It will be intentional then hahah)